MeHDA president Daryl Chong said the government’s move to set a standard price was an unpopular and unnecessary move because there were clinics charging much lower prices.

“In a bid to help our members nationwide, MeHDA had approached many clinics since May, requesting them to impose only RM20 for the medical examination,” he said in a press statement.

There are currently 135 panel clinics nationwide that have agreed to conduct the 20-minute medical examination for MeHDA members at a charge of RM20 per person, Chong added, explaining that the clinics were not making any profit and were instead offering this service as a gesture of social responsibility.

According to Chong, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had on Aug 20 issued a circular to the health ministry and Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) on the new ruling, which included revised guidelines and charges.

Acknowledging that the government’s aim was probably to prevent situations of overcharging, he said the imposition of a standard rate would instead serve to burden drivers financially.